Leon Phillip Quaring, 90

Leon Phillip Quaring passed away at his Cataldo, Idaho, home Dec. 15, 2024, from natural causes. Leon proudly lived until the age of 90. Leon was born in Broadus, Mont., on June 27, 1934, a son of the late Julius and Bessie (Daily) Quaring.

After losing both his mother and father at the early age of 4, Leon and his identical twin brother were cared for by their oldest brother, Willard Quaring. Willard soon moved Leon and Lowell to Post Creek (St. Ignatius), Mont. As twins, they were adopted by a Native American family, Marion and Edna DesChamps. 

At the age of 18, Leon was drafted into the U.S. Navy in 1953. He honorably served in the Navy as a hospital corpsman from 1953 until 1961. Leon was honorably discharged from service in April of 1961. He then returned to St. Ignatius for a while but soon found himself traveling across the United States in order to keep himself employed. Eventually, Leon moved to the Silver Valley, settling in Kellogg, Idaho. He learned how to be a hard rock miner with the Sunshine Mining Company and quickly became a well-respected employee and stayed with the Sunshine Mine until his retirement. After his retirement, Leon chose to remain in the Silver Valley as he was attached to the area and had made so many good friends during his years here. 

Leon is preceded in death by his parents, Julius and Bessie Quaring; his adoptive parents, Marion and Edna DesChamps; several brothers and sisters; as well his first-born son, Richard Quaring. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Betsy Ann (Marks) Quaring; several children and stepchildren; and his brother, Roger Quaring. 

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Shoshone Funeral Services Chapel, 106 S. Main St., Kellogg, Idaho. Afterward, Leon will be laid to rest with military honors at Hunt Cemetery in Kingston, Idaho. The family understands that winter travel may be hazardous and asks that everyone please stay safe if traveling to the funeral services. 

Memories of Leon and messages of condolence may be shared online with his family at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com. Shoshone Funeral Services, Kellogg, is assisting the Quaring family with arrangements.